The present invention relates to a process for converting natural gas to higher hydrocarbon(s) including aromatic hydrocarbon(s) in n reaction zones operated in series, wherein m reaction zones are not participating in the conversion process and only (nm) reaction zones are operated under reaction conditions sufficient to convert at least a portion of said natural gas to an effluent having said higher hydrocarbon(s). An object of the present invention is to provide a process for converting natural gas to higher hydrocarbon(s) including aromatic hydrocarbon(s) wherein a high reactant, i.e. methane, conversion can be achieved.

The invention relates to the conversion of paraffinic hydrocarbon to oligomers of greater molecular weight and/or to aromatic hydrocarbon. The invention also relates to equipment and materials useful in such conversion, and to the use of such conversion for, e.g., natural gas upgrading. Corresponding olefinic hydrocarbon is produced from the paraffinic hydrocarbon in the presence of a dehydrogenation catalyst containing a catalytically active carbonaceous component. The corresponding olefinic hydrocarbon is then converted by oligomerization and/or dehydrocyclization in the presence of at least one molecular sieve catalyst.

Disclosed herein are applications for using lithium carbide materials including reducing agents, radiocarbon dating, and acetylene storage materials.